Mazda Miata 20th Anniversary Gathering

As we previously reported, Japanese carmaker Mazda is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5 model, also known as the Miata, through an event that gathered over 1,600 roadsters and about 2,600 owners and fans of the sports car.

“First launched in 1989, Mazda's two-seat lightweight open-top sports car is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. To commemorate the milestone, over 1,600 Roadsters and their owners made their way to the car's birthplace at the Miyoshi Proving Ground,” a company statement said.

The event was officially launched with a toast from a 20-year old Roadster owner, who had been born the same year when the iconic vehicle was introduced. This was followed by several congratulatory speeches from the members of the development team and MX-5 owners.

Moreover, Roadster owners' clubs from every region of Japan were presented, while guests were invited to participate in a Roadster quiz. However, Mazda's director and senior managing executive officer in charge of vehicle development, Seita Kanai, who stood up and shouted "The Roadster is forever!" arousing the audience, was one of the event’s highlight.

Ending the event was a parade of Miatas and a 20th anniversary car that all of the attendees could sign on. “To end with a Zoom-Zoom flourish, all 1,600 Roadsters formed up to parade around the track before leaving the Miyoshi Proving Ground with a fond farewell from the Mazda staff,” the statement concluded.